For Marius Dunford, racing started out as a hobby—though it quickly evolved into something much deeper. That hobby became a lifelong passion, one fuelled by community, competition, and the unmistakable sound of engines on race night.
Marius first hit the track in the Bone Stock class at his home track, WL Forestry/Napa Thunder Mountain Speedway. There, he built and raced a 70-horsepower Suzuki Swift—a humble machine that proved more capable than expected, earning him a couple of championships and a solid reputation in the local racing scene.
As his love for racing grew, Marius stepped up into the Pro-Mini class, driving a classic 1971 Datsun 510. The move wasn’t just about advancing his own racing—it was also about supporting and growing the class itself. That season turned out to be a milestone year, as he secured championships in both Pro-Mini and Bone Stock. His journey then took him on the road, touring tracks like Agassiz Speedway, PGARA, and Goldpan Speedway, where he met countless fellow racers and made lifelong connections. Some fans might recall his black Datsun 510 in those early years, with the playful nickname "Macaroni Pony" proudly displayed on the back.
For those who’ve travelled off the island to events like the Tri-Cities Series, the Dunford name may already be familiar. That’s thanks in large part to Marius’s wife, Lynn Dunford, who works tirelessly behind the scenes to help organize the series each year. Her warm, welcoming spirit has left a lasting impression—always greeting out-of-town racers with a smile and helping the series feel like home for all involved.
Beyond racing, Marius has remained deeply committed to the local motorsports community. He served as President of Thunder Mountain Speedway for three years and continues to be an active volunteer, contributing his time and energy to the Board of Directors and helping with track and venue maintenance.
While he may jokingly claim he's getting older, the thrill of racing never left him. These days, he’s back at it again—this time behind the wheel of a ’36 Chevrolet Coupe and a ’34 Ford Coupe in the Legends class. Whether or not fishing is actually next on the list remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: Marius Dunford’s racing is far from over.
